Zambia : Petauke Starts Offering Prep Injectables

Petauke District in Eastern Province has started offering injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention.

According to information shared by Petauke District Council Director of Health Services Helen Nyangu who was represented by Clinical Care Officer, Beatrice Phiri, Petauke has begun the service with 29 women.

Dr Nyangu has indicated that the injectable PrEP services are currently only being provided to target groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

“The injectable PrEP is an HIV prevention option that is currently targeting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, to ensure that both baby and mother are protected from getting the HIV virus,” she said.

Dr Nyangu explained that the intervention is aimed at preventing HIV infection among eligible HIV-negative clients, including women who may be at risk of acquiring the virus during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

She, however, stressed that injectable PrEP does not protect users against other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Dr Nyangu said the injectable PrEP does not protect someone from acquiring other STIs.

“Petauke District has seen a rise in the number of STI cases such as Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). So, with PrEP we are not saying that once you receive it then you are protected from STIs, you are just protected from HIV. This means you continue taking appropriate measures to protect oneself from other STIs,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Network of Zambian People Living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+) Petauke Chapter Acting Coordinator Cuthbert Phiri has welcomed the introduction of injectable HIV prevention options, saying they could help make health services more client-centred, accessible and dignified.

Mr Phiri said clients have responded positively to injectable options because they could reduce the burden associated with taking medication regularly and making frequent visits to health facilities.

“We wish to express our appreciation to the government for this milestone. Since the rollout, we have witnessed positive changes including reduced pill burden. Clients are happy to have alternatives to daily pills,” he said.

He added that fewer clinic visits could reduce transport costs and help minimise stigma by providing clients with more private options for accessing services.

And Petauke General Hospital Mothers’ Shelter Chairperson Esnart Chimusi has commended the government for introducing the injectable HIV prevention services in the district.

Ms Chimusi urged eligible women, particularly expectant and breastfeeding mothers, to seek information and access the services at designated health facilities.

“We are grateful to the Government for introducing this preventive treatment in our district. I am urging women to go to the health centres where such services are being offered and get more information about the injectable PrEP and how it can help protect them from HIV,” she said.

Currently, injectable PrEP services in Petauke District are being offered at Petauke Urban Clinic and the Correctional Service health facility.

The district is offering two long-acting injectable HIV prevention options that is Lenacapavir based PrEP, which provides protection for up to six months per injection schedule, and Cabotegravir based injectable PrEP, which is administered at scheduled intervals of about two months.

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